State Senators OK Traffic Cams on School Buses

Measure must also be approved by the Illinois House and Gov. Pat Quinn

School buses throughout the state could use cameras to catch people who don't stop while they're picking up or dropping off kids under a bill OK'd by Illinois senators on Wednesday.

Lawmakers voted 36-12 in favor of the bill, which now moves to the House.

Under the measure, the owner of a vehicle captured by the cameras could be fined $150 for a first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense.

The bus must have its stop sign extended and lights flashing. It must also be clear that students are either getting on or off of the bus.

Sen. Antonio Munoz, a Chicago Democrat, is the bill's sponsor. He said it will deter people from passing buses and endangering kids. School districts would receive a bulk of the money obtained through the fines, he said.

Opponents said the bill is unconstitutional because people who receive tickets can't challenge them in court.

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